Surrey release Hamilton-Brown

Batsman Rory Hamilton-Brown has been released from his contract by Surrey, the club confirmed on Friday.

The 25-year-old leaves after he was granted indefinite compassionate leave from the club following the death of his close friend Tom Maynard in June this year.

Hamilton-Brown returned to action for Surrey in August but struggled to return to his best form and made what would prove to be his final appearance for the club against Glamorgan in the Tom Maynard Tribute Match on August 21.

The release from his contract means the London-born batsman is now free to sign for other counties.

Surrey team director Chris Adams said: "Rory Hamilton-Brown is a talented young cricketer.

"Achieving promotion and winning the CB40 trophy were both significant achievements and his weight of runs made a big contribution. Whilst at the club, he has also moved a lot a closer to fulfilling his ambitions of playing on the international stage.

"The club has agreed to his request to leave so he can look to make a fresh start elsewhere. On a personal level I would like to wish Rory the best for the future and hope he is able to realise his potential at the highest level."

Hamilton-Brown captained Surrey for three years during his time with the county, scoring 4,166 runs in all competitions and taking 21 wickets.